Lexington Native Karl Trieschman to Accept Leadership Award On Behalf of The Trieschman Family

BOSTON — On Saturday, May 2, Walker, a non-profit leader in special education, behavioral health and residential treatment for youth ages 3 to 22, will present the Trieschman family with the 2015 Distinguished Community Leadership Award. Karl H. Trieschman, a Walker board member, son of Walker’s founder, and Concord resident, will accept the award on behalf of his family during Walker’s 15th annual Lives in Bloom Gala.

The Distinguished Community Leadership Award is presented annually to an individual, family or organization who has demonstrated, through words and deeds, a commitment to bettering the lives of children, youth and families. This year, Walker honors the Trieschman family and specifically the work and legacy of Dr. Albert E. Trieschman, who founded Walker and served as the first executive director until his death in 1984.

Throughout his career, Dr. Trieschman, a psychologist at Children’s Hospital, helped children facing emotional, behavioral and learning challenges get the treatment and support they needed to lead full lives. In 1969, Dr. Trieschman co-wrote The Other 23 Hours, which emphasizes the power of a therapeutic setting in the lives of children coping with complex behavioral health needs. His revolutionary work introduced a new residential care philosophy that outlined the need for treatment beyond the one-hour therapy session. The Other 23 Hours remains a classic text for child care professionals working in residential treatment settings.

“We are so grateful for the Trieschmans’ groundbreaking vision, deep commitment and heartfelt dedication to incredibly vulnerable yet resilient children and families who come to Walker full of despair, not knowing where else to turn to for help,” says Susan M. Getman, Walker’s president and CEO. “The Trieschman family was instrumental in establishing Walker as a compassionate place of learning, where professionals, children, and families working together give rise to hope, new skills and a future bright with promise. Today, 54 years later, the Trieschman family continues to help Walker set the standard of treatment and education excellence for thousands of children and families.”

Based on Dr. Trieschman’s philosophy, Walker established the Walker Trieschman Institute for Research & Training (WTI) as the organization’s professional development and research division. With a mission to improve the quality of care and treatment for children who face complex challenges, WTI researches and designs best practices, hosts training workshops, and presents symposia for child and youth caregivers and mental health professionals.

“My family and I are honored to accept this award,” says Karl H. Trieschman, a commercial real estate executive. “The staff at Walker is carrying out my father’s deepest dreams to ensure that every child has a chance at a better future by providing them with the best possible education and therapeutic services.”

Dr. Trieschman’s late wife, Nancy, spent most of her career working for Walker. Their three sons and families remain involved and supportive of Walker. Karl serves on the board, and his wife, Audrey, was crucial in building the legacy that would become WTI. Dr. Trieschman’s youngest son, Matthew, is a former Walker employee and continues to work in the field at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore.

Walker’s Lives in Bloom Gala will be held on Saturday, May 2 from 6 p.m. to midnight at The Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street, Boston. Billy Costa of KISS 108FM and NESN’s Dining Playbook will emcee the event. More than 500 guests will enjoy live and silent auctions, a cocktail hour and three-course dinner followed by dancing to the music of GQ & The Lady.

The goal is to raise more than $400,000 for the non-profit’s academic and therapeutic programs. Over the past 14 years, more than $3.6 million has been raised for Walker’s programs through the event. Individual tickets start at $235. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit livesinbloom.org.

About Walker

Founded in 1961, Walker is a leader in special education, behavioral health, residential treatment and hospital diversion, professional training and community consultation for children and adolescents. Through extensive educational and therapeutic services, Walker directly serves more than 1,200 young people each year, ages 3 to 22, who face complex emotional, behavioral and learning challenges, helping them to build on their strengths and skills. Annually, through offsite training and consultation services, Walker impacts an additional 18,000 children and families. Students hail from nearly 100 communities across Massachusetts. For more information, visit walkercares.org or facebook.com/WalkerCares.

Photo: Karl Trieschman pictured with wife Audrey.